The ups and downs of raising a large family

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Ford Funny Farm

When we decided to move out to the country 7 years ago, my Grandpa and I always talked about having a garden and chickens. Grandpa passed a few years ago, but I feel like I am honoring him by enjoying the things he wanted us to do together.

I started a garden last year and it did okay. But this year, I expanded it and did A LOT more research to know what I am doing. I am really good at growing tomatoes until the plant all of a sudden dies on me. That’s okay. Learning is living. More on my garden in another post.

And a couple weeks ago, I decided that I needed some chickens. So the kids and I loaded up in the car and headed to Tractor Supply.

We got 6 to begin with.

Look at Justice, our cocker spaniel! Such a good momma, unfortunately someone forgot to tell him he is a boy. It drove him crazy not to be able to get to the chicks.

Then a few days later, I went back to get something else and instead got 6 more. I couldn’t resist! They were so cute!

We did lose 2 of the smaller ones. But the rest are doing great.

I have a confession to make! I am not a bird person at all. I mean to the point where I fear when groups are flying over me that they are going to poop on me. Or attack and peck my eyes out. You know lovely thoughts like that. I have never owned chickens and neither has Hubby. So why would I decide to raise chickens?

The eggs, of course. I get about 3 dozen fresh eggs from my neighbor every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. They only charge me a $1 a dozen. But there for a while, something was getting their chickens and they were running low. I felt bad asking for the eggs. And the farm fresh eggs in the store are outrageous in price.

Another reason was for my special needs daughter. I noticed that unless someone had a job for her or wanted to do the same things as her, she would just lay around and sleep all day. She had no initiative to get up and find something to do. She had no hobbies except watching TV. She wouldn’t play with any of the toys we got her. She just laid there on the couch and slept. So I thought by getting chickens it would give her some responsibilities. She is an animal lover so maybe this will be good for her.

I have to admit, I do find their little chirps to be soothing and relaxing. It wasn’t as hard as training a dog and easier than a kitten because they stay contained in one area.

At first, Hubby acted like he wasn’t thrilled with the idea. It took me weeks of convincing before he said whatever you want. But when I brought home the first 6, he was really interactive and interested. He likes to try to get them to stand on his hand. When I brought home the second bunch, he decided we were building a chicken coop. But that is another post.

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9 thoughts on “Ford Funny Farm”

When I was a little girl, we lived in the country, down the road from my grandpa, who was a cotton farmer, and we raised our own veggies, chickens, cows and pigs. I always hated worked in the garden every summer and harvesting all the veggies before we could go on vacation. Looking back, I didn’t realize then how much better fresh tastes! Good luck with the chickens!

Chickens are an awesome pet! My brother has about 40 and 5 adult ducks (sadly a raccoon got the babies). Do you have a 4H in your area? This might be great for the kids to do with their new pets!
Have fun with your new babies!!

Ha Ha this makes me laugh… We got chickens a few months ago… We started w 6 also.. have not expanded (yet)… Only if they could stay little and cute forever.. Beware.. they are going to grow FAST and they are going to get BIG and they are scary! Well, I am like you.. not a bird person.. their feet scare me.. I let my husband and my 2 yr old do most of the work when it comes to catching them. We also need to build them a bigger coop that will be fun.